The Problem
There is a disconnect between people on the autism spectrum and post-secondary education opportunities. We became aware that people on the spectrum might want to pursue an education or have a job after high school but don't have the resources needed to find these opportunities. Also, we recognized that people on the spectrum are often overwhelmed or confused when put in new or different situations. We want to make sure that people on the spectrum feel prepared and calm when they are faced with challenges and new situations so that they can overcome them with confidence.
The Solution
Link'd is an app that connects students on the autism spectrum to options after high school. Whether it is how to prepare for a job or college interview, connecting with a college with a specific program, or simply getting questions answered, Link'd breaks the boundaries that were set between people on the spectrum and their success after high school. It's not that people on the spectrum can't do this by themselves, they just need some help to get there.
The first part of our app will be an interactive experience for people on the spectrum. A video will play a scene or experience and viewers have to decide what they would do in that situation. This will help prepare them for real-world situations and become more comfortable with new experiences, challenges, and difficulties. Our app also provides users with information about post secondary education. Here, students can access information about different colleges that offer programs for students on the spectrum. The final part of Link'd is a forum. Just like anyone moving into a new chapter in their life, people on the spectrum have questions about what is ahead, and who is more perfect to answer these questions than people that have gone through the same experiences? In this section of the app future, current, and past students on the spectrum can ask and answer questions because while information and simulations can help calm some nerves, it’s best to hear it first hand.
Overall, we want Link'd to provide users with a platform where they can express their concerns and solve their problems with people like them. We want to make sure that students and people on the autism spectrum reach their full potential.
